- This topic has 8 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 2 months ago by smokeizfire.
250 vs. other?!
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February 15, 2009 at 3:41 pm #2540MattleyParticipant
Hello all
I am an about to be 24 year old guy who is going to be getting a bike very soon. I have been on a bike before but just my dads when I was a little tike. That being said I have never driven any type of motorcycle at all. I will be taking the course first, though I am torn of which size bike to get. I personally would like to start off on a small sport bike so I can learn the proper techs. Though all of my buddies that ride say that I will get bored in a month, with say a 250, and that I will want more acceleration etc…. Personally I don’t care to go 0-60 in 3 sec. I just want a good city commuter. I also have a wife that will be riding on the back with me sometimes. We won’t be doing any traveling on the bike or going 90+. Lets face it, traveling on a bike is best done on a cruiser and although most are badass looking/sounding, thats just not my style. Anyway I like how the new Ninja 08 and 09 250r’s look. But yet again, my buddies say its not too safe to have two people on a 250. I am willing to go bigger, but on a budget (with this damn ol economy), I would like to start out small (better fuel economy and cheaper insurance). I learned how to drive a stick in a 5.0 Mustang, so I know how too much power can be a bad way to learn…..Just wanted some thoughts on this by anyone who knows what they are talking about, and will not try to pressure me into somthing I may regret. Thanks a lot, I hope to hear from ya’ll soon.
MattFebruary 15, 2009 at 4:12 pm #16503MattParticipantIt is not recommended to ride two up for the first year on a bike.
Trust me when I say it adds a layer of difficulty more than you think it should. Even once you are a good rider, it is usually recommended that you have a good thousand miles on that particular bike before you ride two up. Obviously, communication skills, and your wife’s ability as a pillion (since riding as a passenger is a skill, it is not totally passive like in a car – they have to turn with you) will affect that time.For your first year, plan on a riding only by yourself, except maybe some toodling around in a parking lot. First time I had my gf on the back of a bike I took every single corner waaay too wide (or at a complete crawl). Had we been on a road with the potential for on coming traffic, things could have gone very badly.
You’ll actually find that if distance trips are your intention, cruisers are not the best way to do it. They sit more weight on your tailbone, not your sitsbones. There is a reason touring bikes sit more upright and “standard” than cruisers.
All that said, if a cruiser is what you want, and two up is something you want to aspire to (if not do right away), I’d consider a 600/650cc cruiser.
The bike I rode 2up with my gf on was a Shadow VLX 600. It was very smooth, and pulled cleanly even with a passenger. It was no rocket, but it had enough torque for the two of us (combined weight about 350lbs).
As a learning bike, it is fairly heavy during slow speed turns. If you can throw a rebel around without issue, go for it. If you find the really slow speed stuff reasonably difficult in the MSF (and most people do). I would go with a lighter bike for the first season. Any of the 250 cruisers, or maybe the Savage/S40.I mention the S40 because it has similar weight and dimensions to the 250s but it has a 650 single cylinder engine, so it should have enough torque for two up. However I have not ridden one, so take that with a grain of salt. Also it is a fairly small bike (being of similar size to the 250s), so it might be cramped if your a tall guy.
If you are looking at a Ninja250, don’t worry about its acceleration. Even two up it should out accelerate most small (<700cc) cruisers.
Anyways, those are my two cents, I hope they help.
Ride safe, and have fun.
February 15, 2009 at 4:17 pm #16504Jon D.ParticipantTake a look at some of the motorcycle reviews on this sight. Some of the dual sports might be something to take into consideration as well. Do not let your buds push you into a decision, if you get bored within a few months, no big deal. Buy used if you are afraid of out-growing a bike too soon, you may then use the money saved to upgrade. Riding 2-up is down the road a little ways until you can get in some good saddle time. Take a little time to make the best choice for YOU, it is your buttocks on the bike. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.
February 15, 2009 at 7:52 pm #16507MedicParticipantI’m in pretty much the same position you are. I’m not interested in carrying passengers, but other than that we’re in the same boat.
Seems like all the good starter bikes and smokin’ deals are too far away to work. I think the Rebel would be a great bike, but buying a brand new one isn’t the best option if you’re just going to sell it in a year anyway. And it seems none of the good used ones are close enough.It’s tough man. Unfortunately I haven’t found any solid answers yet (though I did get some great advice here). Anyway good luck and post what you decide to get. I’d be interested to see
February 16, 2009 at 3:15 am #16518BouncingRadicalParticipantI agree with matt, in the fact that you get a good atleats 1000 miles under your belt before you try to go two up. I waited till about 1200 miles, and we spent a while don figure 8’s and locked turns while explaining how she needs to hold on tight and lean exactly as I lean. We have only done short runs though and only a few times. Take it slow.
February 16, 2009 at 4:52 am #16521nau_lax21Participantdunno about the 250, but ive got a gs500f and that works just fine 2up. like others have suggested you should wait AT LEAST 1000 miles, and more importantly, until you feel comfortable to ride 2up.
February 16, 2009 at 7:04 am #16525MattleyParticipantThanks for all the great comments. They have helped me solitify my original thinking of getting a 250. And I agree, I am only going to ride two up when I feel completely confortable riding by myself. I am 5’11 and 165lbs, so I shouldn’t feel cramped on a 250. My wife has been on bikes before, so she knows how to lean, though I will have more than enough practice before she gets on with me.
February 17, 2009 at 4:50 am #16555eternal05ParticipantMatt,
One other consideration is that you should make sure the 250R fits you before you spring for it. Don’t just sit on it and imagine how cool you’ll look riding it down the street (which you will). Try this:
1) With the sidestand down at the dealership, hop on, keep your left foot on the floor or its peg, and put your right foot on the right peg with your toe covering the break.
2) Get comfy, assume riding position, and get your knee locked in.
3) Now try to move your foot back and forth between toes on the break and toes on the peg without substantially moving your knee or releasing a strong grip on the bike with your legs.You also may want to just sit on one of the larger sport bikes for comparison. That’s how I found out it was the bike and not my incompetence that made the 250R a bit awkward.
You may want to see the post I just made.
February 17, 2009 at 12:10 pm #16561smokeizfireParticipant…try ’em 1st, then buy ’em. Here ends the lesson.
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